Bestcovery experts have rated the Porter Cable 352VS 3x2" Variable Speed Belt Sander as a best pick for the Best Belt Sander. Bestcovery's experts recommend the best products and services for a particular need based on extensive research and evaluations. Click below to see Bestcovery's full review of this product.

Got it at the local HD. This unit replaced my 30 year old Makita. It worked fine for about an hour. Then stopped never to run again. I was right in the middle of a job. Took it back and got a better unit at Harbor Freight for half the price.

This belt sander provide plenty of power. The variable speed is useful for different types of lumber and sandpaper grades. I only had one issue with it: I leaned over it when I first started sanding and it fired sawdust straight into my face. Apparently the motor fan exhaust points straight upward between the front handle and the motor housing. After that I was able to avoid it but it does impede moving point of view during operation.

I tried TWO. (1) I returned the first because the glue holding the cork pad to the pressure plate appeared to melt due to friction heat (less than 8 hours' use). Cork pad slid out. The plate and pad are EASY to replace (held by 2 small external bolts). I called Porter Cable. Customer Rep claimed that if I replaced the plate I would be "opening the unit" and void the warranty (not true about "opening unit"). My only choices were to return to store (60-mile round trip), or take to service center (100-mile round trip). Back to store it went - got refund. (2) On the chance that the cork/plate assembly on first unit was a "bad apple" (and because I like overall construction), I bought a second. SAME problem. After only 4 hours' use, pad began slipping. I was considering returning it, when problem solved itself. The sander DIED....totally. Returned for refund. Will NOT try a third, even though I like the overall construction. Why...(1) gluing cork pad to metal plate appears a very bad idea, (2) second one died with less than 5 hours use, (3) IMPORTANTLY...total lack of cooperation by Porter-Cable customer service department. Now to find another one that "looks" as well made.

After going through 3 different sanders from Harbor Freight and dealing with two different warranties we decided to look into more "serious" equipment as we have been going through 1,000's of board feet of recycled barn lumber for our project on our log home (floors, kitchen cabinets, furniture, shelves, etc.). On our first run of this machine, the cable got caught and shorted... 10 minutes after repairing the cable, this "piglet" was going strong for HOURS. The cable next to machine (first 2 feet at least) could be somewhat firmer to avoid being tripped upon. Just a thought... Dust collection bag is STRONG, sturdy and LARGE - can go sanding for hour with no stops to empty the bag. Prior sanders from harbor freight had very weak bags... The unprotected front of the belt (that some were complaining about) is great as we can reach with harder push on certain areas and sand it down. Side sanding is outstanding although eats up belts quickly (expected). Dust collection is at par as this machine has been used inside the cabin as well. With a help of ShopVac - no issues (connected both with a flex hose). With this machine - we are set to complete the project before the winter and will be used on building Banya (sauna) and a guest cabin with recycled lumber. Porter Cable - you have one more fan now. Great name and great products (although wish the warranty was for life as with Ridgit, but their comparable sander's bag is way too small).

I purchased this product because they were out of DeWalt and Ridgid belt sanders. As I stood in the store and looked at the Porter Cable, to my surprise the entire thing looked like it was made of metal. I figured if it didn't work I could always return it. Long story short. This thing is awesome. The tracking is easily adjusted, belt changer is fast and the variable speed is handy. My friend who does a lot more work with powertools than I do helped me sand my new bar last night and it went very smoothly. I asked him if he would buy one of these and he said, "In a heartbeat!"

Industry great. If you woodwork for fun this will add to your satisfaction. Great sander, produces above standard. Practice with it first as it is the best and will get away from you if you don't know the sander. I had it for 5 years and finally dropped it enough for it to break. Definately great for all who need a belt sander no matter what level of abuse. Spend the money on it. you won't be dissatisfied.

Bestcovery experts have rated the Porter Cable 352VS 3x2" Variable Speed Belt Sander as a best pick for the Best Belt Sander. Bestcovery's experts recommend the best products and services for a particular need based on extensive research and evaluations. Click below to see Bestcovery's full review of this product.

Got it at the local HD. This unit replaced my 30 year old Makita. It worked fine for about an hour. Then stopped never to run again. I was right in the middle of a job. Took it back and got a better unit at Harbor Freight for half the price.

This belt sander provide plenty of power. The variable speed is useful for different types of lumber and sandpaper grades. I only had one issue with it: I leaned over it when I first started sanding and it fired sawdust straight into my face. Apparently the motor fan exhaust points straight upward between the front handle and the motor housing. After that I was able to avoid it but it does impede moving point of view during operation.

I tried TWO. (1) I returned the first because the glue holding the cork pad to the pressure plate appeared to melt due to friction heat (less than 8 hours' use). Cork pad slid out. The plate and pad are EASY to replace (held by 2 small external bolts). I called Porter Cable. Customer Rep claimed that if I replaced the plate I would be "opening the unit" and void the warranty (not true about "opening unit"). My only choices were to return to store (60-mile round trip), or take to service center (100-mile round trip). Back to store it went - got refund. (2) On the chance that the cork/plate assembly on first unit was a "bad apple" (and because I like overall construction), I bought a second. SAME problem. After only 4 hours' use, pad began slipping. I was considering returning it, when problem solved itself. The sander DIED....totally. Returned for refund. Will NOT try a third, even though I like the overall construction. Why...(1) gluing cork pad to metal plate appears a very bad idea, (2) second one died with less than 5 hours use, (3) IMPORTANTLY...total lack of cooperation by Porter-Cable customer service department. Now to find another one that "looks" as well made.

After going through 3 different sanders from Harbor Freight and dealing with two different warranties we decided to look into more "serious" equipment as we have been going through 1,000's of board feet of recycled barn lumber for our project on our log home (floors, kitchen cabinets, furniture, shelves, etc.). On our first run of this machine, the cable got caught and shorted... 10 minutes after repairing the cable, this "piglet" was going strong for HOURS. The cable next to machine (first 2 feet at least) could be somewhat firmer to avoid being tripped upon. Just a thought... Dust collection bag is STRONG, sturdy and LARGE - can go sanding for hour with no stops to empty the bag. Prior sanders from harbor freight had very weak bags... The unprotected front of the belt (that some were complaining about) is great as we can reach with harder push on certain areas and sand it down. Side sanding is outstanding although eats up belts quickly (expected). Dust collection is at par as this machine has been used inside the cabin as well. With a help of ShopVac - no issues (connected both with a flex hose). With this machine - we are set to complete the project before the winter and will be used on building Banya (sauna) and a guest cabin with recycled lumber. Porter Cable - you have one more fan now. Great name and great products (although wish the warranty was for life as with Ridgit, but their comparable sander's bag is way too small).

I purchased this product because they were out of DeWalt and Ridgid belt sanders. As I stood in the store and looked at the Porter Cable, to my surprise the entire thing looked like it was made of metal. I figured if it didn't work I could always return it. Long story short. This thing is awesome. The tracking is easily adjusted, belt changer is fast and the variable speed is handy. My friend who does a lot more work with powertools than I do helped me sand my new bar last night and it went very smoothly. I asked him if he would buy one of these and he said, "In a heartbeat!"

Industry great. If you woodwork for fun this will add to your satisfaction. Great sander, produces above standard. Practice with it first as it is the best and will get away from you if you don't know the sander. I had it for 5 years and finally dropped it enough for it to break. Definately great for all who need a belt sander no matter what level of abuse. Spend the money on it. you won't be dissatisfied.